Vehicles burglarized in Hamel

HAMEL — Five vehicles were burglarized in a Tuesday morning smash-and-grab.

"It's still an ongoing investigation," Police Chief Tim Connell said. "We had five vehicles that were broken into. Four of them had their windows shattered out."

The fifth vehicle was unlocked.

The incident happened at the elementary school parking lot. A number of families were nearby at the time, but had no idea the crime was occurring.

"There were people outside..." Connell said. "The people were out by the cars. They were in the back in the playground area, and then on the other side of the school, the backside."

Connell said he is not sure how the thief or thieves were able to avoid detection.

"They were good at what they did," he said.

Several purses containing personal items were taken, Connell said. The amount stolen was still being calculated.

Connell said his department would be following up on all available leads, talking with anyone who may have seen something, and seeing if any surveillance footage exists.

"We're following up on a few leads and trying to get it all put together," he said.

This is not the first time Hamel has been hit by a string of car burglaries. A few years ago, Connell said, the city was also struck by a wave of auto break-ins. The thief was eventually arrested and charged with the crime. Connell is hopeful for an arrest in this case as well.